Slot machine having multiple progressive jackpots

ABSTRACT

Provided is a variable jackpot meter feature for progressive games (either single or multiple tiered), which may be embodied in a game, a method of conducting or providing the game, or a system or program product. The meter coordinates graphics to the increasing value of the progressive jackpots. At its reset value, the progressive meter may be displayed in its least exciting graphical state indicating low “heat.” As the progressive meter value grows, the associated graphics would increase to indicate the amount has grown. By the time the progressive meter&#39;s value has reached or exceeded the progressive&#39;s expected value, the graphics may be in their most excited/active/hottest state. This state reinforces to the player that the progressive is a high value and it is a good time to try to win the prize.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to gaming machines, such as slot machines, and inparticular to a progressive jackpot indicator feature on such gamingmachines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of jackpot games are known in the slot machine industry.Traditional symbol-driven jackpots are won by lining up the winningsymbols across the reels. Mystery jackpots award the pot based on somehidden random determination which is not shown to the player.Single-machine jackpots contribute a percentage of every bet on aparticular machine to the pot until someone wins. In-house linkedprogressives link a number of machines in the same casino to the samejackpot. Wide-area progressives provide a linked progressive thatreaches games in multiple casinos.

Examples of slot machines with progressive jackpots are found in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,048,833; 5,249,800, and 5,280,909, incorporated herein byreference. Progressive jackpots are built by adding a percentage of allqualifying wagers to the pot until the pot is won. Typically, a specialsymbol combination is designated as the progressive jackpot winner.After it is won and the jackpot amount is paid out, the jackpot revertsto a base level and starts building again. The higher the jackpot standsabove the base level, the more play there has been since the jackpotlast hit.

Slot machines which generate higher revenues for the machine owner aremore valuable to the machine owner. Thus, any feature that makes a slotmachine more enticing to a player and causes the player to deposit moremoney into the machine is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a variable jackpot meter feature for progressive games(either single or multiple tiered), and may be embodied in a game, amethod of conducting or providing the game, or a system or programproduct. The meter coordinates graphics to the increasing value of theprogressive jackpots. At its reset value, the progressive meter may bedisplayed in its least exciting graphical state (possibly depicted asstatic and having lower temperature). As the progressive meter valuegrows, the associated graphics would increase to indicate the amount hasgrown. By the time the progressive meter's value has reached or exceededthe progressive's expected value, the graphics may be in their mostexcited, active, and hottest state. This state re-enforces to the playerthat the progressive is a high value and it is a good time to try to winthe prize.

Where typical progressive meters indicate the current prize value, theydo not give the player a sense of how much the prizes have grown fromthe reset or how they compare to the expected hit value. The presenttechniques give the player a better sense of which progressive metershave grown. As a result, players may think of the “hot” progressiveamounts as being “due to hit” and that would increase play frequency.

Another version of the invention is a computer program stored on anon-transitory readable medium for controlling the meter display. Thesoftware version is, of course, typically designed to be executed by agaming machine or networked gaming system. The software includesmultiple portions of computer executable code referred to as programcode. Gaming results are provided in response to a wager and displayedby display program code that generates simulated slot reels eachincluding one or more symbol locations. In versions where the inventionincludes operating the jackpot game along with the meter, the programalso has game controller program code for determining game play resultsinvolving spins or other randomization of an array of symbols, andprovide the selectable bonus modifier elements in the bonus round.

Another version of the invention is a gaming system that includes one ormore gaming servers, and a group of electronic gaming machines connectedto the servers by a network. The various functionality described hereinmay be distributed between the electronic gaming machines and the gamingservers in any practically functional way. For example, the currentpreferred architecture is for the servers to determine all aspects ofgame logic, random number generation, and prize awards. The variablemeter may be operated by the gaming machine controller, or a dedicatedcontroller and a suitable network-connected display device. The gamingmachines provide functionality of interfacing with the player andanimating the game results to present the results received from theserver in an entertaining manner. However, other embodiments of coursemight use a thin client architecture in which the animation is alsoconducted by the server and electronic gaming machines serve merely as aterminal to receive button or touchscreen input from the player and todisplay graphics received from the server.

Different features may be included in different versions of theinvention. For example, different animation themes may be applied to thevariable progressive meter, and different methods may be used tocalculate or produce the ranges employed in the meter.

These and other advantages and features of the invention will beapparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments,considered along with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a screenshot of a progressive indicator in a low value stateaccording to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a screenshot of the same progressive indicator showingvarious higher value states according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart of a general process of providing a variableprogressive indicator according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2B is an expected value range table for controlling a variableprogressive indicator according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a flow chart of one example process for producing an expectedvalue range table according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a gaming machine which may beused in a gaming system embodying the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing various electronic components of thegaming machine shown in FIG. 3A together with additional gaming systemcomponents.

FIG. 4A is a system block diagram of a gaming system according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a system block diagram of a gaming system according toanother embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A is a screenshot 1000 of a progressive indicator in a low valuestate according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 1B is a screenshot 1100of the same progressive indicator showing various high value statesaccording to one or more embodiments. These two figures span the low andhigh range indicators for an animated progressive meter according to apreferred embodiment. The animated progressive meter coordinatesgraphics to the increasing value of the progressive meter(s) as itrelates to an expected hit value for each of the progressive jackpotprizes shown on the meter. At its reset value, the progressive meter maybe displayed in its least exciting graphical state or range (possiblydepicted as static and “cool”), as shown in FIG. 1A. As the progressivemeter value grows, the associated graphics would change to show ananimation indicating an increased heat level, or some other indicationthat the value of the progressive jackpot is relatively higher than itwas before, relative to its expected hit value. By the time theprogressive meter's value has reached or exceeded the progressive'sexpected value, the graphics may be in their most excited/active/hotteststate. In a preferred embodiment, the expected hit value is within arange indicated as “Hot,” whereas a higher range, which may be indicatedas “white-hot” or “burning hot,” is provided above the expected hitvalue to indicate that the jackpot has grown larger than the expectedhit value. Many players tend to associate such values with either anincreased expected value of their bet (which is mathematicallyaccurate), or an increased chance of winning The construction andoperation of the variable progressive meter is further described below.

The table in FIG. 2B defines the ranges employed in this preferredembodiment, as will be further discussed below. Referring to the tableof FIG. 2B and the animated variable progressive meter depicted in FIG.1B, the states of each jackpot depicted in the meter can be identified.The largest jackpot, the top row in both figures, is showing a value of$10,000, which places it in the “Stage 2 Heat” range of the expectedvalue range table. This range is the next-to-hottest range available onthe meter, which can be identified by the smoke and flames, and size ofthe number ‘9’ that can be seen in the screenshot. Compared with the rowbelow it , the “ANY 8” jackpot, the “ALL 9” jackpot has a larger letterand hotter animated flames and smoke. This is because the ANY 8 jackpot,like the ANY 7 jackpot, is in the Stage 1 Heat range as defined by theexpected value range table. Comparing the ALL 9 jackpot row to the ANY 5jackpot row, the ANY 5 row is depicted as hotter, because its value($22.09) is in the highest Stage 3 Heat range defined in the table. Inthis depicted embodiment, that means the animation is more lively, thedepicted animated flames and smoke are larger, the number 5 is bigger,and the colors used in the animation are more indicative of heat. Inthis manner, the animated variable progressive meter provides a visualindication of what state the various progressive jackpot values are incompared to their expected win values. While in this version the actualexpected win value, and the range containing it, are not identified forthe player, other versions may identify one or both of these values onthe meter.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart of a general process of providing a variableprogressive indicator according to one or more embodiments. In general,the meter may operate on a upper display such as display 107 shown inFIG. 3A, or a common display to a bank of machines or other secondary orgroup display. The depicted process 2000 in FIG. 2A may be operated bythe processor on the gaming machine if the meter is shown on the gamingmachine, or may be operated by a separate computer processor or thinclient processor specific to the meter display assembly if the meter isnot integrated with the gaming machine on which the jackpot games arepresented.

The depicted process begins at step 2002, where the meter requests orreceives the current jackpot values from the progressive server (407,FIG. 4B). This step may request values for all progressive jackpotsbeing played on the machine or group of machines to which the displayrelates, or may request and process each jackpot value individually.Some versions may use a polling loop in which the progressive meter'scontrol software requests the jackpot values from the progressiveserver, while other versions may use an interrupt-based, or push-based,approach in which the jackpot values are distributed from a server atcertain intervals whenever they increase by particular designatedvalues. Whatever scheme is used to receive the values, step 2002receives the values from the progressive server to be used in updatingthe progressive meter. It is noted that in a preferred version theprogressive meter is constantly displayed with animation based on thecurrent jackpot level for each respective jackpot. Next, at step 2004,the process compares the current jackpot value for each jackpot receivedto an expected range value table such as the example table depicted inFIG. 2B. The comparison at step 2004 is for the purpose of determiningif the animation should be adjusted. At step 2006, if the jackpot valuehas entered a new range, the process moves to step 2008 where it adjuststhe variable graphic jackpot display animation accordingly. This istypically an upward adjustment because the jackpot values are typicallyincreasing as more wagers contribute to the jackpot amount. However,when a jackpot is won, the value jackpot will of course be adjusted downto the jackpot base amount. In such a case, step 2008 would adjust thevariable graphic jackpot display animation from whatever heat level waspreviously displayed to the lowest level heat range, or “cool” level.Next, at step 2010, the process updates the meter value with the newnumber reflecting the received jackpot value. Of course steps 2008 in2010 do not have to appear in a particular order, that is, the metervalue may be updated as soon as it is received or before the animationis begun. Typically, the depicted steps occur so quickly in theprocessor there is no discernible difference to the player concerningthe processing order. The meter control process shown is constantlylooping or updating the meter as the jackpot values increase or changein the system.

FIG. 2B is an expected value range table for controlling a variableprogressive indicator according to one or more embodiments. The depictedtable 2100 is merely one non-limiting example, and other tables withdifferent values and different numbers of rows (jackpots) and columns(heat levels or jackpot prize value ranges) may be used. As shown intable 2100, the preferred game includes a set of progressive jackpotsthat are triggered by scatter patterns in the base slot machine game.The left-hand column identifies the various progressive jackpots by thenumber of scatter symbols used to activate them. Along each row arevalues that define the range in which the variable progressive jackpotmeter will show a certain heat level for the progressive jackpot in therow. The lowest range for each jackpot is in the leftmost value columnlabeled “Reset/No Heat.” The values in this column represent the basevalue of the progressive jackpot, that is, the value to which thejackpot is reset when it is won. When the meter control process comparesthe jackpot values to this table, if a value is between the No Heatlevel and the Stage 1 Heat level shown in the next column to the right,the meter shows the lowest heat level which in this preferred embodimentis no heat, or cool, which is depicted by some appropriate graphicsshowing no flame, or colors or other graphics indicating coolness orrelative lack of heat compared to the other levels depicted in themeter.

When a jackpot level reaches the value in the Stage 1 Heat column, itreaches a new range of heat and the variable progressive jackpot meterchanges the heat level displayed on the meter for that particularprogressive jackpot. When the value is in the range bounded by Stage 1Heat and Stage 2 Heat values, the meter depicts animated graphicsassociated with a low heat value. For example, small flames may be shownflickering around the jackpot value shown on the meter. As theprogressive jackpot value climbs into the Stage 2 Heat range (forexample on the large nine symbol progressive jackpot, once the valuereaches $10,000), the meter is updated to show hotter graphics such asan animation of higher flames and smoke, and changes the color of thenumbers to indicate that they are reaching a hotter level (for example,the color may change from a dark color to a glowing color when it isheated similar to the way the metal glows when it is heated). Further,as the heat level increases on the meter, the numbers or text on thedisplay may grow in size and become animated or increase the speed ofthe animation. It is noted that the various meters for each progressivejackpot may of course be displayed with different heat levels if theactual accumulated jackpot is in a different range as defined by thechart.

When the progressive jackpot value reaches the highest range, such asfor example $13,000 for the nine symbol jackpot shown in FIG. 2B, themeter shows a white hot value associated with the dollar or creditnumber displayed for that jackpot. Preferably, the white-hot or Stage 3Heat range includes the largest and hottest looking animated flames, themost animated smoke, and generally more excited and high tempoanimation. Preferably, the numbers on the jackpot meter and theassociated text are animated to glow and depict a white-hot state likemolten metal. This is, of course, not limiting and other versions mayuse other types of graphics to depict the higher levels. What isimportant is that the meter provides a visual indicator that a jackpothas increased a lot relative to its base value, and an indicator thatthe jackpot value has reached or passed its expected win value. Thecreation of the ranges shown in the table is further described below.

FIG. 2C is a flow chart of one example process for producing an expectedvalue range table according to one or more embodiments. The depictedprocess 2200 begins at step 2202, which shows the process is conductedfor each progressive jackpot being tracked by the meter. At step 2204,the process calculates the expected hit value of each of the progressivejackpots based on known statistical analysis of jackpot winning odds.For example, a preferred version uses an expected value that is theaverage expected win value at which the jackpot will be won. Otherembodiments may of course calculate an expected value using otherstatistical methods. For example, nine symbol jackpot line in FIG. 2Bwas created from a jackpot having an expected average win value of$10,004.99. This is calculated based on the odds that the jackpot willbe hit in any particular random game outcome, to determine an averagenumber of game outcomes in which the progressive jackpot will be one.This average number of game outcomes is combined with the wagercontribution to the jackpot from each game to produce the expected valueand creditor dollars where, on average, the jackpot will be won.

Using the expected value, the depicted process at step 2206 rounds thevalue to the nearest or nearby round number of credits in order to set arange appropriate for use in the variable progressive jackpot meter. Forexample, the jackpot value discussed above was rounded down to $10,000to produce the number used for the nine symbol jackpot in FIG. 2B. Theactual rounding step may rounded up or down, or may be subject to somelevel of discretion by the game's designers; but what is important isthat a number is produced that is based on an expected value of theprogressive jackpot.

Next, at step 2208, the process sets the value produced as the Hotlevel, or some other designated level, in the range of values to be usedto control the variable meter display. In the depicted example table inFIG. 2B, the $10,000 number was used to set the Stage 2 Heat level. Theparticular level that is set is not limiting, and generally the processwill set a level associated with some animation that indicates to theplayer that the progressive jackpot has reached an important statisticallevel, such as its average expected value, which players who followmathematics frequently associate with the jackpot being hot. Otherversions may scale the number by some selected level or otherwiseprocess the number to make a range considered more appropriate.Preferred versions, however, will calculate the number in some mannerbased on the expected value of the jackpot.

Next, at step 2210, the process divides the range below the designatedhot value in order to create a designated number of ranges between thebase value and the hot value that will be used by the meter to showprogression toward the hot level. The preferred embodiment simplydivides this range equally to create the various lower ranges. Otherembodiments may in fact use some statistically significant values tocreate the lower ranges as well. For example, some statistical expectedvalue lower than the average expected value may be used to create lowerranges. For example, a value that is over 25% of all jackpot wins may beused to set the next range above the base range. Other value such as20%, 30%, and 40% may also be used. Other statistically significantnumbers may be used. Or, the range division performed a step 2210 may bedone arbitrarily by the game's designers in order to create a simplerounded value to define each of the ranges below the hot value. In theexample table in FIG. 2B, there are only four total ranges, because thebottom range is defined by the progressive reset value, step 2210 onlyselects one range, that is the Stage 1 Heat range. In this instance, thebottom of the Stage 1 Heat range was created by simply splitting therange between the hot value, already calculated at $10,000, and the basevalue to which the progressive is reset, $8,000.

Next, at step 2212, the process chooses the value to define the highestrange to be depicted on the variable progressive jackpot meter, which inthis example is the white-hot range designated in the table as the Stage3 Heat range. In a preferred embodiment, this range is chosen in orderto indicate that the progressive jackpot is well past its expectedvalue. The value defining arrangement may be chosen by any suitablemethod, such as, for example, using the same range size defined by thepreviously selected ranges, or perhaps doubling that range size, orselecting another statistically significant value to define the range.An example of such a value might be the jackpot value that 80% ofjackpots are under, or some other suitable large number such as 75%, or90%. Some versions of the invention may not have a higher range than therange including the average expected jackpot value. In such versions,step 2212 will of course be skipped. Further, while the depictedpreferred version in FIG. 2B includes a white-hot range, the Stage 3Heat range that is above the range containing the expected value, otherversions make multiple ranges above the range containing the expectedvalue. If multiple such ranges are used, preferably they are defined atleast partially based on statistically significant numbers.

Next, at step 2214, the process takes the values selected and createsthe table that is used to control the variable progressive jackpotmeter, such as the table depicted in FIG. 2B. Finally, at step 2216, thevariable progressive jackpot meter operates based on the ranges definedin the table. Of course, in various programming implementations, anactual table may not appear in the processor memory, but the values inthe table will of course be stored in memory in a suitable way andaccessed by the meter control process to control the animation.

FIG. 3A shows a gaming machine 100 that may be used to implement avariable progressive bonus game according to the present invention. Theblock diagram of FIG. 3B shows further details of gaming machine 100.Referring to FIG. 3A, gaming machine 100 includes a cabinet 101 having afront side generally shown at reference numeral 102. A primary videodisplay device 104 is mounted in a central portion of the front surface102, with a ledge 106 positioned below the primary video display deviceand projecting forwardly from the plane of the primary video displaydevice. In addition to primary video display device 104, the illustratedgaming machine 100 includes a secondary video display device 107positioned above the primary video display device. Gaming machine 100also includes two additional smaller auxiliary display devices, an upperauxiliary display device 108 and a lower auxiliary display device 109.It should also be noted that each display device referenced herein mayinclude any suitable display device including a cathode ray tube, liquidcrystal display, plasma display, LED display, or any other type ofdisplay device currently known or that may be developed in the future.

In preferred versions, the gaming machine 100 illustrated in FIG. 3Aalso includes a number of mechanical control buttons 110 mounted onledge 106. These control buttons 110 may allow a player to select a betlevel, select paylines, select a type of game or game feature, andactually start a play in a primary game. Other forms of gaming machinesaccording to the invention may include switches, joysticks, or othermechanical input devices, and/or virtual buttons and other controlsimplemented on a suitable touchscreen video display. For example,primary video display device 104 in gaming machine 100 provides aconvenient display device for implementing touchscreen controls.

It will be appreciated that gaming machines may also include a number ofother player interface devices in addition to devices that areconsidered player controls for use in playing a particular game. Gamingmachine 100 also includes a currency/voucher acceptor having an inputramp 112, a player card reader having a player card input 114, and avoucher/receipt printer having a voucher/receipt output 115. Audiospeakers 116 generate an audio output to enhance the user's playingexperience. Numerous other types of devices may be included in gamingmachines that may be used according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a logical and hardware block diagram 200 of gaming machine100 which includes a central processing unit (CPU) 205 along with randomaccess memory 206 and nonvolatile memory or storage device 207. All ofthese devices are connected on a system bus 208 with an audio controller209, a network controller 210, and a serial interface 211. A graphicsprocessor 215 is also connected on bus 208 and is connected to driveprimary video display device 104 and secondary video display device 107(both mounted on cabinet 101 as shown in FIG. 3A). A second graphicsprocessor 216 is also connected on bus 208 in this example to drive theauxiliary display devices 108 and 109 also shown in FIG. 3A. As shown inFIG. 3B, gaming machine 100 also includes a touch screen controller 217connected to system bus 208. Touch screen controller 217 is alsoconnected via signal path 218 to receive signals from a touchscreenelement associated with primary video display device 104. It will beappreciated that the touchscreen element itself typically comprises athin film that is secured over the display surface of primary videodisplay device 104. The touchscreen element itself is not illustrated orreferenced separately in the figures.

Those familiar with data processing devices and systems will appreciatethat other basic electronic components will be included in gamingmachine 100 such as a power supply, cooling systems for the varioussystem components, audio amplifiers, and other devices that are commonin gaming machines. These additional devices are omitted from thedrawings so as not to obscure the present invention in unnecessarydetail.

All of the elements 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, and 211 shown in FIG.3B are elements commonly associated with a personal computer. Theseelements are preferably mounted on a standard personal computer chassisand housed in a standard personal computer housing which is itselfmounted in cabinet 101 shown in FIG. 3A. Alternatively, the variouselectronic components may be mounted on one or more circuit boardshoused within cabinet 101 without a separate enclosure such as thosefound in personal computers. Those familiar with data processing systemsand the various data processing elements shown in FIG. 3B willappreciate that many variations on this illustrated structure may beused within the scope of the present invention. For example, sinceserial communications are commonly employed to communicate with a touchscreen controller such as touch screen controller 217, the touch screencontroller may not be connected on system bus 208, but instead include aserial communications line to serial interface 211, which may be a USBcontroller or a IEEE 1394 controller for example. It will also beappreciated that some of the devices shown in FIG. 3B as being connecteddirectly on system bus 208 may in fact communicate with the other systemcomponents through a suitable expansion bus. Audio controller 209, forexample, may be connected to the system via a PCI bus. System bus 208 isshown in FIG. 3B merely to indicate that the various components areconnected in some fashion for communication with CPU 205 and is notintended to limit the invention to any particular bus architecture.Numerous other variations in the gaming machine internal structure andsystem may be used without departing from the principles of the presentinvention.

It will also be appreciated that graphics processors are also commonly apart of modern computer systems. Although separate graphics processor215 is shown for controlling primary video display device 104 andsecondary video display device 107, and graphics processor 216 is shownfor controlling both auxiliary display devices 108 and 109, it will beappreciated that CPU 205 may control all of the display devices directlywithout any intermediate graphics processor. The invention is notlimited to any particular arrangement of processing devices forcontrolling the video display devices included with gaming machine 100.Also, a gaming machine implementing the present invention is not limitedto any particular number of video display device or other types ofdisplay devices.

In the illustrated gaming machine 100, CPU 205 executes software whichultimately controls the entire gaming machine including the receipt ofplayer inputs and the presentation of the graphic symbols displayedaccording to the invention through the display devices 104, 107, 108,and 109 associated with the gaming machine. As will be discussed furtherbelow, CPU 205 either alone or in combination with graphics processor215 may implement a presentation controller for performing functionsassociated with a primary game that may be available through the gamingmachine, and may also implement a game client for directing one or moredisplay devices at the gaming machine to display portions of aprogressive jackpot games according to the present invention. CPU 205also executes software related to communications handled through networkcontroller 210, and software related to various peripheral devices suchas those connected to the system through audio controller 209, serialinterface 211, and touch screen controller 217. CPU 205 may also executesoftware to perform accounting functions associated with game play.Random access memory 206 provides memory for use by CPU 205 in executingits various software programs, while the nonvolatile memory or storagedevice 207 may comprise a hard drive or other mass storage deviceproviding storage for programs not in use or for other data generated orused in the course of gaming machine operation. Network controller 210provides an interface to other components of a gaming system in whichgaming machine 100 is included. In particular, network controller 210provides an interface to a game controller which controls certainaspects of the progressive jackpot games as will be discussed below inconnection with FIG. 3A.

It should be noted that the invention is not limited to gaming machinesemploying the personal computer-type arrangement of processing devicesand interfaces shown in example gaming machine 100. Other gamingmachines through which a progressive jackpot game is implemented mayinclude one or more special purpose processing devices to perform thevarious processing steps for implementing the present invention. Unlikegeneral purpose processing devices such as CPU 205, these specialpurpose processing devices may not employ operational program code todirect the various processing steps.

It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to gamingmachines including only video display devices for conveying results. Itis possible to implement a progressive jackpot game within the scope ofthe present invention using an electro mechanical arrangement or even apurely mechanical arrangement for displaying the symbols needed tocomplete the progressive jackpot game as described herein. However, themost preferred forms of the invention utilize one or more video displaydevices for displaying the spinning reels and the selectable modifierelements. For example, a gaming machine suitable for providing aprogressive jackpot game may include a mechanical reel-type displayrather than a video-type display device for displaying results in aprimary game, and include a video display device for presenting theprogressive jackpot game separately.

Still referring to the hardware and logical block diagram 200 showing anexample design for a gaming machine 100, the depicted machine inoperation is controlled generally by CPU 205 which stores operatingprograms and data in memory 207 with wagering game 204, user interface220, network controller 210, audio/visual controllers, and reel assembly213 (if mechanical reel configuration). CPU or game processor 205 maycomprise a conventional microprocessor, such as an Intel Pentiummicroprocessor, mounted on a printed circuit board with supportingports, drivers, memory, software, and firmware to communicate with andcontrol gaming machine operations, such as through the execution ofcoding stored in memory 207 including one or more wagering games 204.Game processor 205 connects to user interface 220 such that a player mayenter input information, and game processor 205 may respond according toits programming, such as to apply a wager and initiate execution of agame.

Game processor 205 also may connect through network controller 210 to agaming network, such as example casino server network 400 shown in FIG.4B. Referring now to FIG. 4B, the casino server network 400 may beimplemented over one or more site locations and include host server 401,remote game play server 403 (which may be configured to provide gameprocessor functionality including determining game outcomes andproviding audio/visual instructions to a remote gaming device), centraldeterminant server 405 (which may be configured to determine lottery,bingo, or other centrally determined game outcomes and provide theinformation to networked gaming machines 100 providing lottery andbingo-based wagering games to patrons), progressive server 407 (whichmay be configured to accumulate a progressive pool from a portion ofwagering proceeds or operator marketing funds and to award progressiveawards upon the occurrence of a progressive award winning event to oneor more networked gaming machines 100), player account server 409 (whichmay be configured to collect and store player information and/or awardsand to provide player information to gaming machines 100 after receivingplayer identification information such as from a player card), andaccounting server 411 (which may be configured to receive and store datafrom networked gaming machines 100 and to use the data to providereports and analyses to an operator). Through its network connection,gaming machine 100 may be monitored by an operator through one or moreservers such as to assure proper operation, and, data and informationmay be shared between gaming machine 100 and respective of the serversin the network such as to accumulate or provide player promotionalvalue, to provide server-based games, or to pay server-based awards.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a gaming system 300 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown again in a network andsystem diagram format. System 300 includes a number of gaming machines,each comprising a gaming machine 100 in this example implementation. Forpurposes of describing system 300, each gaming machine 100 in FIG. 4A isshown as including a video display device 107 and a player interfacethat may include buttons, switches, or other physical controls and/ortouchscreen controls as discussed above in connection with FIG. 4A. Thisplayer interface is labeled 301 in FIG. 4A. System 300 further includesa game server 302 and a respective game client 303 (abbreviated “GC” inFIG. 4A) included with each respective gaming machine 100. In the formof the invention shown in FIG. 4A, these two components, game server 302and the game client components 303, combine to implement a game controlarrangement which will be described in detail below. System 300 alsoincludes an award controller 305, which is shown in FIG. 4A as beingassociated with game server 302 to indicate that the two components maybe implemented through a common data processing device/computer system.Gaming machines 100, game server 302, and award controller 305 areconnected in a network communication arrangement including first andsecond network switches 306 and 307, connected together through variouswired or wireless signal paths, all shown as communications links 308 inFIG. 4A.

Each gaming machine 100, and particularly player interface 301associated with each gaming machine, allows a player to make any inputsthat may be required to make the respective gaming machine eligible fora progressive jackpot game. Player interface 301 also allows a player atthe gaming machine to initiate plays in a primary game available throughthe gaming machine in some implementations. The respective video displaydevice 107 associated with each respective gaming machine 100 is usedaccording to the invention to generate the graphic displays to show thevarious elements of a progressive jackpot game and variable meter at therespective gaming machine.

The game control arrangement made up of game server 302 and therespective game client 303 at a given gaming machine functions tocontrol the respective video display device 107 for that gaming machineto display a number of selectable modifier objects. Award controller 305is responsible for awarding prizes for a player's participation in aprogressive jackpot game, and maintaining progressive prize information.The network arrangement made up of network switches 306 and 307, and thevarious communication links 308 shown in FIG. 4A is illustrated merelyas an example of a suitable communications arrangement. It should benoted that the game control arrangement, or as it is referred togenerally the “game controller,” may be implemented in some embodimentsentirely on the gaming machine. This is especially true in jurisdictionsthat allow Class III gaming conducted with random number generators ateach gaming machine. The present invention is not limited to anyparticular communications arrangement for facilitating communicationsbetween game server 302 and various gaming machines 100. Any wired orwireless communication arrangement employing any suitable communicationsprotocols (such as TCP/IP for example) may be used in an apparatusaccording to the invention.

FIG. 4A shows other server(s) 310 included in the network. Thisillustrated “other server(s)” element 310 may include one or more dataprocessing devices for performing various functions related to gamesconducted through system 300 and any other games that may be availableto players through gaming machines 100. For example, apparatus 300 maybe accounting servers providing support for cashless gaming or variousforms of mixed cash/cashless gaming through the various gaming machines100. In this example, an additional one of the other servers 310 will beincluded in apparatus 300 for supporting these types of wagering andpayout systems. As another example, the various gaming machines 100included in system 300 may allow players to participate in a game(primary game) other than the progressive jackpot game described herein,and this other game may rely on a result identified at or in cooperationwith a device that is remote from the gaming machines. In this example,another server 310 may be included in the system for identifying resultsfor the primary game and communicating those results to the variousgaming machines 100 as necessary. Generally, the other server(s) 310shown in FIG. 4A are shown only to indicate that numerous othercomponents may be included along with the elements that participate inproviding progressive jackpot games according to the present invention.Other server(s) 310 may provide record keeping, player tracking,accounting, result identifying services, or any other services that maybe useful or necessary in a gaming system.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a block diagram of another example networkedgaming system 400 associated with one or more gaming facilities isshown, including one or more networked gaming machines 100 in accordancewith one or more embodiments. With reference to FIG. 4B, while a fewservers have been shown separately, they may be combined or split intoadditional servers having additional capabilities.

As shown, networked gaming machines 100 (EGM 1-EGMN) and one or moreoverhead displays 413 may be network connected and enable the content ofone or more displays of gaming machines 100 to be mirrored or replayedon an overhead display. For example, the primary display content may bestored by the display controller or game processor 205 and transmittedthrough network controller 210 to the overhead display controller eithersubstantially simultaneously or at a subsequent time according to eitherperiodic programming executed by game processor 205 or a triggeringevent, such as a jackpot or large win, at a respective gaming machine100. In the event that gaming machines 100 have cameras installed, therespective player's video images may be displayed on overhead display413 along with the content of the player's display 100 and anyassociated audio feed.

In some embodiments, the overhead display 413, or some othernetwork-connected display, may display the animated variable progressivejackpot meter described herein. Display 413 may include a controller forexecuting code necessary to interface with the progressive server andobtain current values to display on the meter as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, game server 403 may provide server-basedgames and/or game services to network connected gaming devices, such asgaming machines 100 (which may be connected by network cable orwirelessly). Progressive server 407 may accumulate progressive awards byreceiving defined amounts (such as a percentage of the wagers fromeligible gaming devices or by receiving funding from marketing or casinofunds) and provide progressive awards to winning gaming devices upon aprogressive event, such as a progressive jackpot game outcome or othertriggering event such as a random or pseudo-random win determination ata networked gaming device or server (such as to provide a largepotential award to players playing the community feature game).Accounting server 411 may receive gaming data from each of the networkedgaming devices, perform audit functions, and provide data for analysisprograms, such as the IGT Mariposa program bundle.

Player account server 409 may maintain player account records, and storepersistent player data such as accumulated player points and/or playerpreferences (e.g. game personalizing selections or options). Forexample, the player tracking display may be programmed to display aplayer menu that may include a choice of personalized gaming selectionsthat may be applied to a gaming machine 100 being played by the player.

In one or more embodiments, the player menu may be programmed to displayafter a player inserts a player card into the card reader. When the cardreader is inserted, an identification may be read from the card andtransmitted to player account server 409. Player account server 409transmits player information through network controller 210 to userinterface 220 for display on the player tracking display. The playertracking display may provide a personalized welcome to the player, theplayer's current player points, and any additional personalized data. Ifthe player has not previously made a selection, then this informationmay or may not be displayed. Once the player makes a personalizingselection, the information may be transmitted to game processor 205 forstoring and use during the player's game play. Also, the player'sselection may be transmitted to player account server 409 where it maybe stored in association with the player's account for transmission tothe player in future gaming sessions. The player may change selectionsat any time using the player tracking display (which may be touchsensitive or have player-selectable buttons associated with the variousdisplay selections).

In one or more embodiments, a gaming website may be accessible byplayers, e.g. gaming website 421, whereon one or more games may bedisplayed as described herein and played by a player such as through theuse of personal computer 423 or handheld wireless device 425 (e.g.Blackberry cell phone, Apple iPhone, personal data assistant (PDA),iPad, etc.). To enter the website, a player may log in with a username(that may be associated with the player's account information stored onplayer account server 409 or be accessible by a casino operator toobtain player data and provide promotional offers), play various gameson the website, make various personalizing selections and save theinformation, so that during a next gaming session at a casinoestablishment, the player's playing data and personalized informationmay be associated with the player's account and accessible at theplayer's selected gaming machine 100.

Referring generally to the description herein, any use of ordinal termssuch as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to refer to an element doesnot by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one elementover another, or the temporal order in which acts of a method areperformed. Rather, unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordinalterms are used merely as labels to distinguish one element having acertain name from another element having a same name (but for use of theordinal term).

Further, as described herein, the various features have been provided inthe context of various described embodiments, but may be used in otherembodiments. The combinations of features described herein should not beinterpreted to be limiting, and the features herein may be used in anyworking combination or sub-combination according to the invention. Thisdescription should therefore be interpreted as providing writtensupport, under U.S. patent law and any relevant foreign patent laws, forany working combination or some sub-combination of the features herein.

The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate theprinciples of the invention, but not to limit the scope of theinvention. Various other embodiments and modifications to thesepreferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

1. A gaming method comprising the following steps executed by one ormore processors in a gaming system: (a) maintaining an animated meterdisplay showing a current level for a progressive jackpot; (b) receivinga current value of the progressive jackpot; (c) comparing the currentvalue to an expected value range table, and adjusting a graphic jackpotdisplay animation if the current value is in a new range relative to arange associated with a previous graphic jackpot display animation; and(d) the expected value range table including a first range entirelybelow an expected win value of the progressive jackpot, a second rangeincluding the expected win value of the progressive jackpot, and a thirdrange entirely above the expected win value of the progressive jackpot.2. The method of claim 1 further comprising setting a value in theexpected value range table based at least in part on calculating anexpected win value for the progressive jackpot, and setting the secondrange in the expected value range table including the expected winvalue, the second range associated with animated graphics depicting ahot state.
 3. The method of claim 2 in which the expected win value is astatistical average win value.
 4. The method of claim 2 furthercomprising calculating at least one additional statistically significantjackpot value and setting at least one of the first or third rangesbased at least in part on such calculation.
 5. The method of claim 2further comprising creating the third range above the second range, thethird range associated with animated graphics depicting a hotter statethan the second range.
 6. The method of claim 1 in which the animatedmeter display and the expected value range table include data formultiple progressive jackpots available to be won in a common base game.7. The method of claim 6 further comprising operating the base gameincluding the multiple progressive jackpots.
 8. A system for providing awagering game for a player, the system comprising at least oneelectronic gaming machine interacting with at least one server, thesystem programmed for: (a) maintaining an animated meter display showinga progressive jackpot level; (b) receiving a current value of aprogressive jackpot; (c) comparing the current value to an expectedvalue range table, and adjusting a graphic jackpot display animation ifthe current value is in a new range relative to a range associated witha previous graphic jackpot display animation; and (d) the expected valuerange table including a first range entirely below an expected win valueof the progressive jackpot, a second range including the expected winvalue of the progressive jackpot, and a third range entirely above theexpected win value of the progressive jackpot.
 9. The system of claim 8further programmed for setting a value in the expected value range tablebased at least in part on calculating an expected win value for theprogressive jackpot, and setting the second range in the expected valuerange table including the expected win value, the second rangeassociated with animated graphics depicting a hot state.
 10. The systemof claim 9 in which the expected win value is a statistical average winvalue.
 11. The system of claim 9 further programmed for calculating atleast one additional statistically significant jackpot value and settingat least one of the first or third ranges based at least in part on suchcalculation.
 12. The system of claim 9 further comprising creating thethird range above the second range, the third range associated withanimated graphics depicting a hotter state than the second range. 13.The system of claim 8 in which the animated meter display and theexpected value range table include data for multiple progressivejackpots available to be won in a common base game.
 14. The system ofclaim 13 further comprising operating the base game including themultiple progressive jackpots.
 15. A program product embodied in one ormore non-transitory tangible computer readable media, the programproduct including code executable by a gaming machine and at least onegaming server for: (a) maintaining an animated meter display showing aprogressive jackpot level; (b) receiving a current value of aprogressive jackpot; (c) comparing the current value to an expectedvalue range table, and adjusting a graphic jackpot display animation ifthe current value is in a new range relative to a range associated witha previous graphic jackpot display animation; and (d) the expected valuerange table including a first range entirely below an expected win valueof the progressive jackpot, a second range including the expected winvalue of the progressive jackpot, and a third range entirely above theexpected win value of the progressive jackpot.
 16. The program productof claim 15, further executable for setting a value in the expectedvalue range table based at least in part on calculating an expected winvalue for the progressive jackpot, and setting the second range in theexpected value range table including the expected win value, the secondrange associated with animated graphics depicting a hot state.
 17. Theprogram product of claim 16, in which the expected win value is astatistical average win value.
 18. The program product of claim 16,further executable for calculating at least one additional statisticallysignificant jackpot value and setting at least one of the first or thirdranges based at least in part on such calculation.
 19. The programproduct of claim 16, further executable for creating a the third rangeabove the second range, the third range associated with animatedgraphics depicting a hotter state than the second range.
 20. The programproduct of claim 15, in which the animated meter display and theexpected value range table include data for multiple progressivejackpots available to be won in a common base game.
 21. The programproduct of claim 20, further executable for operating the base gameincluding the multiple progressive jackpots.